The Man Behind the Business:
Stephen Jensen, CPA
2012 – 2016
In 2016, I graduated from Estevan Comprehensive Highschool. During my time at the “Comp” I developed a passion for accounting. Between grade ten and twelve there was a yearly accounting class that was offered. Learning the basics during my time there not only gave me a leg up when I made it to university but launched my passion for what I didn’t yet know would be a life long career (or at least that’s the hope).
2016 – 2020
While at Ambrose University, I had the opportunity to develop a base as I studied towards a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a focus in accounting and marketing. My passion for the accounting field grew as I had opportunities to put my schooling into practice as the Vice President of Finance on student council and through work that we did with NPOs in and around Calgary. The time I spent at university was instrumental in the development of not only my growing interest in accounting but also helped develop me into a well round person who has interests that aren’t just about centered around my career (as you can see here I learned, I love hiking, no matter the weather)!
2020 – 2023
My first job as a real accountant was with MNP in Terrace, BC. I honed my skills alongside talented accountants, as I quickly earned my stripes, and worked my way up from an Articling Student to a Senior Accountant (or Designated Professional, as those at MNP call you). During my time at MNP I had the opportunity to develop my personal tax skills. I quickly learned that I loved working with individual clients, as a good tax refund means so much more to an individual than to any corporation. During my second and third busy season, I received the opportunity to manage our personal tax team and gain a tremendous amount of knowledge when it comes to everything personal taxes.
2023
July 14, 2023, was possibly one of the biggest turning points in my career. It marks the day that I was officially welcomed into the profession and gained the letters CPA behind my name. Getting to this point in any accountant’s career is a feat that I now have a great amount of respect for. The three day test I was required to write (the dreaded CFE) took me two and half months to study for. During that process I failed more practice tests than I like to admit and probably had one or two mental breakdowns. However, if you want an accurate portrait of how those months (and years leading up) went, you would have to ask my wife, as I have repressed all memories from that small window of my life. I do recall telling my wife, that if I failed, I was going to have to find a new profession, because no one could entice me to take that test twice.
2023 – Today!
Since getting my CPA, I have made some great career and life choices. I transitioned from the big accounting firm I was working at to working remotely for one based out of Nunavut. This means I can slow down, focus on my family, and spending free time in ways that enhance our live. We moved out of big city Calgary to the small quirky city that is Medicine Hat (we have hot air balloons every year, how fun!). Lastly, I decided to start working a bit on the side. While I still do a great deal of work for corporations at my current job, I still want to help the individual. Personal taxes is a passion project for me. I don’t think it will turn into a full time career but I still love doing it.
Jensen Accounting 